Car Review: 2014 BMW 320i xDrive

The BMW 320i xDrive all-wheel drive compact sedan is a joy to drive so it is no wonder that this make’s sales are anticipated to be solid.

Alexandra Straub

German automaker’s entry-level 320i is good on gas but is missing the BMW pep

by
Alexandra Straub | December 17, 2013

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The rear-wheel drive 2013 BMW 320i is your first contact with 3 Series family; a family that has been together for more than 35 years. Your next contact is the 320i with the German automaker’s xDrive all-wheel drive system.

The 3 Series models are six generations strong and they keep moving forward, but it seems that somewhere in the bloodline, there was some thinning going on. Despite its worldwide success, skyrocketing sales figures and its astute pedigree, some might argue it lost the essence of its existence: Performance.

Which brings me to the question, is performance that important when you get behind the wheel of a Bimmer? Especially on an entry-level model? I guess it just depends what you’re in the market for. After all, vehicles at half the price have more ponies under the hood. But they don’t sell quite like these do.

2014 BMW 320i xDrive Sedan.

Under this Bavarian bonnet is a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine. Sorry, no more six cylinders for the base models. Sad face. But that four-cylinder does come with BMW’s TwinPower Turbo technology. And it has a whopping — wait for it — 181 horsepower and 199 lb.-ft. of torque to its name. On paper, that’s less than impressive.

So what gives?

My two cents: Not everyone cares about power. Just like not everyone cares about status symbols, a.k.a. posh German vehicles with a blue and white logo and a kidney grille.

And even devoid of galloping stallions, the 3 Series is still an aspirational vehicle. That statement was solidified to me by three encounters from individuals in my test period where they complimented me on my fine choice of vehicle.

I didn’t want to get into details that it wasn’t actually mine. I graciously accepted on BMW’s behalf.

Two of the three were women. Based on looks alone, they were sold. The Black Sapphire Metallic that coats its German body sparkles. And then matching it with the Oyster Dakota Leather sealed the deal. There was no talk about suspension settings, gearboxes or sport modes. Just a healthy dousing of flattery. And yearning.

The gentleman who commented on the sedan didn’t see the 320i badge on the back. But acknowledged its presence.

After he walked past, he said, “You should have saved up for the 328i.”

I replied, “Next time!”

That was as witty of a response as I could have come up with.

Referring back to my earlier comment about not everyone making power a priority, if you strip the 320i down to the basics, it’s not a terrible vehicle. Could it have more steering feel? Yes. Could it have more excitement in the captain’s chair? For sure. But that didn’t mean I didn’t like driving it. As a city car, it’s ideal. Besides, what would I do with all the horsepower if I did have it? I’m not answering …

There’s not denying the cabin of the BMW 320i could be more exciting, but still, this is a good car for city driving.

It comes with an eight-speed automatic transmission, and the ability to swap between various modes, like Sport and Eco. In Eco mode, you’re getting the best bang for your premium fuel buck, but the dynamism that BMW is known for takes a vacation. To Siberia in the winter.

Yet, sometimes it’s just nice to drive a vehicle that gets decent fuel economy but still has a quotient of pep to it. Though that percentage of pep is not nearly as much as diehard 3 Series enthusiasts would like. And probably not for the price either.

At a base MSRP of $39,990, the 2013 BMW 320i xDrive sedan is a pretty penny.

That doesn’t even include the host of options it was outfitted with, bringing the final MSRP to $46,300 (excluding the $2,095 destination charge and taxes).

So if you’re confused as to what my opinion is, I am too. I can’t deny that I like driving this car. Because I really do.

It is compact, fits into parking spaces easily, holds 480L of goods in the trunk, seats five (though 4 comfortably), has decent visibility out the rear and has stylish elements.

2014 BMW 320i xDrive Sedan.

On the flip side, I find it is overpriced, and doesn’t come with a backup camera or Bluetooth audio, and the navigation system is a $2,000 option.

Regardless of me sitting on the fence with this one, its aspirational appeal is undeniable. BMW will continue to churn out these sedans and people will continue to love them.